Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Brazilian icon Neymar are among 11 players who have called time on their international careers after the 2026 tournament. The group also includes names from Czechia, Mexico, Algeria, Ecuador, Argentina, Austria, Senegal, Scotland and Côte d’Ivoire, with several announcing their retirements immediately after their final matches.
What did Manuel Neuer say after Germany’s exit?
Manuel Neuer, 40, first participated in the World Cup in 2010 before winning the trophy four years later. Germany have had little success since and their exit marked the end of Neuer’s international career. He initially retired after Euro 2024 but reversed that decision a few weeks before this tournament. “Despite the bitter end, I don’t regret this decision,” he said after his 23rd and final World Cup appearance. The former Germany defender Robert Huth criticised the decision to bring Neuer out of retirement:
“I think the big one that really unsettles the squad was the Neuer inclusion. I think [it was] really unexpected, he came late to the table.”
How did Patrik Schick end his Czechia career?
Patrik Schick, 30, made his World Cup debut this summer having left an impression at Euro 2020. Schick failed to score as Czechia went winless and were eliminated in the group stage. The striker announced his international retirement hours after the final group game.
“Today, my national team chapter is coming to an end,”
The official Czechia statement paid tribute:
“Thank you for every match, every goal, and the pride with which you represented the Czech Republic.”
What happened in Guillermo Ochoa’s final tournament?
Guillermo Ochoa, 41, cemented himself as a fans’ favourite in 2014 when he kept a famous clean sheet against the World Cup hosts, Brazil. His playing time was limited this summer, but he , where he was celebrated by teammates. After full time the manager, Javier Aguirre, said:
“The moment he stepped on to the pitch, it overshadowed everything else. He is a world-class legend, and I am incredibly proud of him.”
Ochoa later posted:
“It was the greatest privilege of my life. Thank you for believing, for always accompanying us. I love you Mexico.”
Why did Riyad Mahrez decide to retire?
Riyad Mahrez, 35, had made one appearance at the 2014 finals and had to wait 12 years to add to his tally. He scored two goals against Austria before Algeria were eliminated in his final game. Mahrez said:
“Representing Algeria has been a dream of mine ever since I was young, to play for my country. It’s been an immense honour and a great source of pride.”
A Confederation of African Football’s statement said:
“You gave us memories that time can never take away. Thank you, Riyad Mahrez.”
What did Enner Valencia say after Ecuador’s exit?
Enner Valencia, 36, got six goals in as many matches across the 2014 and 2022 finals but was unable to add to that tally for an Ecuador team in the last 32. “I’ve played my last match with the national team,” he said in the tunnel after.
“I’ve played my last match with the national team,”
Ecuador’s official X account showed appreciation to their record scorer:
“The GOAT. Super Enner. Thank you for giving yourself to the country and representing it in the best way.”
How did Nicolás Otamendi end his Argentina career?
Nicolás Otamendi, 38, played every minute as Argentina triumphed in Qatar, having made his World Cup debut in 2010. Playing time was harder to come by in North America, though he featured in every game bar one, having revealed his intention to retire in March.
“It’s my last World Cup, from there I’ll be a fan,”
Otamendi’s final home match became a tribute, with Lionel Messi letting him score a penalty at La Bombonera.
Why was Marko Arnautovic’s tournament his first and last?
Marko Arnautovic, 37, had this World Cup as his first and last. He scored twice as Austria reached the last 32, 3–0 by Spain. Arnautovic revealed his departure in an emotional post-match interview, saying:
“Playing for Austria was the biggest highlight. It hits me that from now on I won’t see my second family any more.”
In a social media post, the Austrian Football Association said:
“What a career. What a character. Thank you for everything.”
What was Sadio Mané’s final message on Senegal duty?
Sadio Mané, 34, participated in 2018 but injury ruled him out four years later. Following Senegal’s , Mané released a statement regarding retirement via Senegalese outlet Le Quotidien – although there have been questions about its authenticity – saying:
“Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag. I gave the very best of myself and I always fought fiercely for our homeland.”
Pape Thiaw was asked about Mané’s retirement in January and replied:
“We want to keep him as long as possible … when we say it’s his decision, it doesn’t just belong to him, he belongs to the people of Senegal, and they want to see him carry on.”
How did Craig Gordon describe his career?
Craig Gordon, 43, amassed 84 caps, making his debut in 2004, but did not get off the bench at his first World Cup. Gordon called time on his club and international career.
“I’ve never wanted it to end, but it must,”
Gordon’s spell was described as “a career unlike any other” by the Scotland national team’s social media account.
What did Jean Michaël Seri announce?
Jean Michaël Seri, 35, made his World Cup debut in his side’s 2–0 victory over Curaçao, his 64th cap. In a social media post, the former Fulham midfielder later said:
“After 11 years in the national team, and one World Cup played, I announce the end of my international career today.”
Seri received a wealth of tributes below his post. “Congratulations on all that you’ve accomplished with the national team,” replied the captain, Franck Kessié.
“Thank you for all these moments shared under our colors.”
How did Neymar end his Brazil career?
Neymar, 34, announced himself on the World Cup stage with two goals on debut in 2014. Restricted by injury at the current tournament, he managed 55 minutes before and announced his international retirement shortly after full time.
“It started here at MetLife Stadium,”
he said, referring to his debut against the US in August 2010,
“and I finished here. It is now over.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, working as a pundit for US television, said:
“An amazing player, and the skill set he had was just crazy. So, sad moment for Brazilian football.”
Key Facts
- Manuel Neuer and Neymar are among 11 players who retired from international football after the 2026 tournament.
- Patrik Schick, Guillermo Ochoa, Riyad Mahrez, Enner Valencia and Nicolás Otamendi also ended their careers.
- Marko Arnautovic, Sadio Mané, Craig Gordon, Jean Michaël Seri and Neymar also announced retirement.
- Neuer made 23 World Cup appearances, while Gordon amassed 84 caps and Seri reached his 64th cap in his final World Cup debut.
- Ochoa, Mahrez and Valencia were all recognised in farewell statements from their national sides or regional bodies.
